Western Australia’s leading GPs, supervisors, registrars, educators and practices have been recognised at the 2026 Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) WA Awards, celebrating excellence in patient care, education, leadership and service to the community.
RACGP WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman congratulated this year’s recipients, saying the awards highlight the extraordinary contribution GPs make to communities across the state.
“General practice is the foundation of our healthcare system, and these award winners exemplify the very best of our profession,” she said.
“Whether it’s providing outstanding care in local communities, training the next generation of GPs, supporting patients in rural and remote areas, or advancing healthcare through leadership and advocacy, each recipient has made a remarkable contribution.
“These awards recognise not only professional excellence, but a deep commitment to patients, communities, and the future of general practice in Western Australia.”
2026 RACGP WA General Practitioner of the Year – Dr Richard Taylor
Dr Taylor was recognised for his outstanding contribution to his local community and the personalised impact of his work. The awards panel highlighted his strong commitment to community-focused general practice and the meaningful difference he has made through dedicated service to his patients and community.
The recognition follows Dr Taylor receiving the RACGP WA Faculty Legend Award in 2025.
2026 RACGP WA General Supervisor of the Year – Dr Jennifer Ellis
Dr Ellis was recognised for her extensive contributions to general practice training, cultural leadership, mentoring and supervision. The awards panel acknowledged her dedication to supporting registrars and fostering excellence in education, as well as her broad contribution to developing the next generation of general practitioners.
2026 RACGP WA GP in Training of the Year – Dr Christopher Chi
Dr Chi was recognised for his commitment to rural and remote practice and his willingness to undertake a significant personal and professional transition by relocating with his family to serve communities in regional Western Australia.
The awards panel praised his dedication to serving his community, strong engagement with training, and the positive impact he has already made early in his career.
2026 RACGP WA Practice of the Year – Pioneer Health Albany
Pioneer Health Albany was recognised for its exceptional commitment to integrated, community-centred care. The awards panel highlighted the practice’s innovative approach, including strong community connections, outreach activities supporting vulnerable populations, and its multidisciplinary enhanced primary care model.
The practice was commended for embedding itself meaningfully within the community it serves and exemplifying a holistic approach to general practice.
Special WA Faculty Awards
WA Faculty Legend Award – Dr Brett Montgomery
Dr Montgomery received the 2026 WA Faculty Legend Award in recognition of his longstanding contribution to general practice through advocacy, clinical leadership, and representation of the profession.
Over many years, he has served on numerous RACGP committees, working groups, and advisory bodies, providing a strong professional voice for both the College and the broader general practice profession. His contributions have helped ensure the voice of GPs is represented in healthcare policy, reform, and clinical guidance.
Most recently, Dr Montgomery served on the RACGP’s First Do No Harm Expert Steering Group, represented the College in the development of the 2026 Guidelines for the Early Detection of Prostate Cancer in Australia, and contributed to a range of committees and working groups promoting patient safety and supporting high-quality care.
Jack Christodoulou Examiner Award – Dr Jenny Smith
Dr Smith was recognised for her exceptional contribution to Fellowship assessment in Western Australia over more than two decades.
A highly respected mentor, educator, and examiner, she has supported countless registrars on their Fellowship journey while making a substantial contribution to the Fellowship assessment program. She has generously contributed across examiner, quality assurance, question-writing, standard-setting and interview roles, and courageously stepped into the role of Assessment Panel Chair in 2019.
Named in memory of Dr Jack Christodoulou, a highly regarded RACGP WA Assessment Panel Chair and WA Council member, the award honours examiners who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to maintaining excellence in the Fellowship process and supporting candidates on their path to Fellowship.
Sam Bada Medical Educator Award– Dr Jessica Huang
Dr Huang received the 2026 Sam Bada Medical Educator Award for her outstanding commitment to registrar education, mentorship and wellbeing.
Through her work in remediation, small-group learning and mentoring, she has provided invaluable support to registrars throughout their training, including those facing significant personal and professional challenges.
Named in honour of the late Dr Sam Bada, the award recognises exceptional dedication to training, mentoring, and supporting future GPs, as well as fostering innovation and excellence in general practice education.
